President Tinubu Orders Probe Into Minna Mining Deaths, Demands Accountability
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, placing the conduct of security personnel under scrutiny.
The detainees were arrested during an operation against suspected illegal mining around the Lieutenant General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna. Tinubu directed authorities to establish what happened from the point of arrest through the period of detention and determine whether any act of negligence or misconduct contributed to the deaths.
The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, the number of people held at the facility, the conditions of their detention and the medical attention provided to them. Authorities are also expected to establish the events immediately preceding the deaths.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the civil defence corps to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure that officers do not interfere with the process. He also said administrative measures, including the suspension of officials, should not prevent criminal prosecution if evidence establishes individual responsibility.
The directive comes amid growing concerns over the treatment of people held by security agencies during enforcement operations. While the Federal Government continues its campaign against illegal mining, the President said enforcement agencies must operate within the law and protect the rights and lives of people in their custody.
The investigation could therefore become a test of accountability within the security system, particularly over whether officials responsible for detainees can be held criminally liable when deaths occur under government custody. Tinubu also called for calm among affected communities and expressed condolences to the families of those who died.
